Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

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  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    woooooooooooooow    WELL hi yall.....  man it is buzzin in here and I had to go back 4 pages just to catch up.....

    OKAY so for all yall newbies..  welcome welcome thank you for being here....   Please go up to the Discussion Forum as Proud suggested and Read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer.. it will help answer a lot of questions...  

    TXmom...  I think that was your name.... I see you did not get an answer about your son going from Pcola to SD... yes yes yes.... he will get money for that trip.. whether he drives or flies....   They give them an allowance based on where they are going...  =)   But as your question was like a week and a half ago (I apologize) you prob already know that now hahaha......     

    So.... there was a question about a Sailor wanting his doggie at the ceremony...  I say check and see what the regulations are and go by that... if they say yes, then by all means if your son wants him there bring him...  I am not sure tho if that is permissible... I rather doubt it as we love our 4 legged babies but they can be a distraction by accident...  perhaps your Sailor can see him after the ceremony back at the hotel...  let us know tho what you find out.... I am curious about the answer...  

    Gosh there are so many new mammas here... congrats to the ones whose kids are in RSS, graduating RSS, heading for A school and those just heading off to BC....  the entire pipeline is arduous at best...  so hang in there ... I see everyone is getting their questions answered ...  there are many many mammas that have been all the way through this such as myself...  son has been in now for 4.75 years... and some in the middle... BUT that is why we are here... to help each other through it!!!!   So again Welcome welcome...  xoxoxoxoxox

  • JeweledPeacock

  • JeweledPeacock

    Honor Man for Class B Airman Heard.

    Heard.jpg

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Congrats to your son! Great pictures.

  • hsquared60

    Hi everyone, my son is currently in San Diego finishing up with FRAC. His graduation is set for September 5 and I'm a bit curious about what I can expect during this graduation. Any information would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks very much.

  • whatever

    JeweledPeacock,  Just was to say congrats to your son and the rest of the graduating class.  Thankyou so much for the pictures.  I was able to share them with all my son's friends and family and of course my son too before he left for BC yesterday.

  • proudmama

    Jeweled Peacock... Great pics! Looks like there is a female RSS graduate in amongst the group!!!

    Congrats to all the recents grads wherever they are in the pipeline!

    My son just completed A school (Romeo) along with navy wife13's hubby! Next stop.,,SERE!

    Speaking of which... There are some of us who have sons and maybe even daughters in SERE school right now in the thick of things....my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in that place!
  • Melissa

    Hsquared60- my son graduated FRS in May and graduation was very similar to A School grad in that it was a small, short ceremony. It was held outside, right across from Coronado Bay and the graduates received their certification, there were a couple of promotions, then they all symbolically received their wings. My son, as Senior Student recited the oath, and then we were finished. This was followed by cake and drinks inside and then the boys had a short duty meeting and then were released to join their families. 

    Following graduation the guys had permission to tour family members around the flight line and schoolhouse, plus see the helo the swimmers use up close. It was really interesting.

    I would say the ceremony took about 45 minutes (there were 2 classes, 7 swimmers total) with lots of opportunities to take pictures and afterwards to chat with instructors and others. It was a lot of fun, I would recommend good walking shoes, business casual dress, sunscreen, and a light jacket for anyone attending. 

  • Melissa

    Oops, meant to add my congrats to jeweled peacock! Great pics, thanks for sharing them with us. 

  • hsquared60

    Melissa,

    Thanks so much for the feedback on FRAC graduation; much appreciated. I spoke to my son the other evening and they've moved the date of graduation to September 26. Fingers crossed it doesn't get moved again!

  • Brand'sMom

    My son left yesterday to boot camp. It was hard than I thought

  • Navymom2014

    Is always hard no matter how hold they are....they are our babies....make sure you write to him as soon as you get the letter he sends with the address, they wait for that letter like gold....I was out of the country and my son said it was very hard when they call the letters out and he did not get one.....after that I wrote every day also keep your phone with you all the time they don't have a set day or time to call.the first call is really hard for both you and him. But always Proud!

  • Navymom2014

    Melissa where was your son's graduation? my son just told be two minutes ago he graduates tomorrow from air crew...im going over tomorrow but i'm 10 hour away so wont make it to the graduation....hopefully the next one in five weeks...does anyone know after rescue swimmer o they send them to another place? and how long? I was hoping he would be n Pensacola for two years but he says is not like that and in november he might be some where else

  • NavyWife13

    Navymom2014...it depends on which platform he is on regarding the time he is there. He will should go to Starboard D next to wait on RSS, starboard D is an undetermined wait. RSS is 5 weeks and depending on if he gets Sierra or Romeo he could be in A school for 6 weeks for S and 13 for R. There are holds in between all the schools and after that before they go to SERE
  • Melissa

    Navymom2014 - my son is stationed at Coronado, though he is currently doing turf training at another location. 

    Typically once your son finishes A School in Pensacola he will go to SERE (either in Maine or California) followed by FRS/FRAC in either Jax or San Diego. How long any of that takes is random depending on training schedules, flight/pilot availability, weather, and any other number of factors. My son was originally scheduled to finish FRS in Feb, but because his classmates went on med hold and then failed several flights, they didn't actually graduate until May. It can be frustrating as a parent because you want dates/info and it can change in an instant. Hang in there, it is worth it at the end of the pipeline to see the strong, determined, dedicated young man your son has grown into.  

  • proudnavymom

    Navymom2014- my son also graduates tomorrow from Aircrew. He was just made assistant class leader! Pretty exciting;) hopefully there will not be a long wait before he can begin RSS school. I will not be able to make graduation:( I did get to see him in his flight suit though. if you see "Red" give him a hug and tell him his mom is very proud of him <3

  • A's Mom

    Hi all I haven't been on here for a while. I just just got back from Pensacola my son graduated from RSS on July 24th and got to spend the whole weekend with us on the beach. My youngest son and I fly up a day early and my husband drove (16 hours one way) 3 of my sons lifelong friends down to surprise him at graduation. It was priceless! Now he is waiting to hear if he will be assigned Romeo or Sierra.

    Jeweled Peacock it was very nice to meet you.

    Ridgegirl- I wanted to meet S but he was doing crossfit. LOL just like his momma :), maybe next time.
  • Travelsalot

    TIFFANY / HEARTSTRINGS...Where are we in this Pipeline... I get very little info other than, things are good.. He likes his assignment..He is learning so much...
    Fill me in... :<)
    text or pm...
  • Navymom2014

     Melissa, I did not see red, but i did told my son to tell him, but you know them idk if he will tell him...they think is weird lol. they started class the next day...I had to wait for my son around the light house because there were doing a physical challenge test. That night my son was falling sleep, by 7 there were up since 3 and had that challenge so he was sore an tired, they started class monday so we went to wall mart to get the markers to do the new shirts, dinner and hotel. My son tells me is a really challenge training they started with like 28 and they only have 11 left. We have to be so proud of them because is really hard  and it takes lots of endurance, patience, and you have to be wise to make the right choices, an said the right thing. Every time I talked to my son I'm so proud of him and all of them. When i'm in the base I want to hug them all!!!! lol

  • Navymom2014

    A's Mom any words on your son's next step? my son is in RSS so I will be bothering you to try to figure out my son's next step lol

  • Navymom2014

    I wanted to say THANK YOU!!!!  to everyone.....I don't get on the computer to much but I do read the comments on my phone, and all your comments help so much!!!! not only in knowledge but also when I'm down missing my POPEYE your comments help me be stronger...Thank you!!!! <3

  • A's Mom

    Navymom2014 no bother. My so is still waiting his helicopter assignment. He won't know what his next step is until he gets that A school assignment.
  • cabowabo

    Hello! New to the group... anyone have their son who recently joined AIRR from BUD/s?
  • Melissa

    Hey all! Hope everyone is well.

    Today marks two years since my baby boy headed to boot camp. He has come a long way in those two years, I am so proud of all he has accomplished on this journey and of the fabulous young man he has become. Here's to my son and the Navy! And wishing you all continued success on your journey. 

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Congrats Melissa on your son's anniversary!

  • airmom10

    Melissa - I to wish to congratulate your son on his two-year anniversary!

  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    Hello everyone!  Love reading all the post of where your kids are in the pipeline and what is going on.  I don't get on here often but read post from my email feed.  I too have a son that marked his two year anniversary in the Navy yesterday!  Wow what a two years it has been!  And on his one year anniversary he was in SERE (an adventure all its own)  I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of the kids along the way and these kids are amazing and wonderful young people.  I have had the honor of meeting Melissa's son and everything she says is absolutely true, what an amazing young man, polite, willing to give tours (when your own kids say "mom really") a true delight to be around!  The next phase of this journey for me is starting in 8 days.  My Sailor is headed on a 10 month deployment on the USS Carl Vinson.  We are headed out there to spend a couple days before departure and watch the ship sail (don't know how that will go for me, but 10 months is a very long time so I have to suck it up and do it!  Told him I may be bawling my eyes out and he is not allowed to say a word, lol)  I have been fortunate that once he came out to CA(Coronado) we could see him and his buddies more often so this 10 months will be a long long stretch!  But thank goodness for technology cause I will be able to email him daily. Something 30 years ago just wasn't an option!  If anyone else has a kid on the same ship please let me know.  God Bless everyone on here and keep those stories coming. I am sure I will be more of a regular now!  

  • JC

    I'm new to group, my son also marked 2 yr anniversary. Finally done with sar, took awhile. Not sure where he will be stationed yet, wondering what the options r on west coast.
  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Welcome JC. My son is in San Diego.

  • Melissa

    Ah, thanks MamaS and right back watcha with your son. He is a fabulous young man and does his Mama proud. I can't believe he leaves in 8 days. Enjoy your time visiting and if you happen to see my boy while you are there squeeze him extra for his Momma. ;)

    Welcome to the newbies here! 

  • Melissa

    Um, that would be MamaD, I really need an edit button.

  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    JC My son is in San Diego and the North Island base (coronado) he is assigned to squadron 15.  He is a Sierra.  

  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    Melissa, you know if I see your son I will do more than give him a big hug from you, I will get plenty of pictures for you!  And I do hope that if he ever finds himself in sac he does give us a heads up so we can see him!!  

  • Melissa

    He's talking about trying to visit there in Sept when Jesuit dedicates the new chapel since my parents are planning to attend. I'll make sure he lets you know if he's coming. You gives yours a hug from me and tell him I said to be safe and enjoy this opportunity to see the world from a ship - it's not a job, it's an adventure! 

    JC - my son is also at Coronado, with squadron 8. He's a Sierra. 

  • JC

    Nice to met you all, Im going to FRAC next week.  I love S.D.

  • Melissa

    Hope you have a great trip to San Diego JC - it is such a pretty place.

    My parents are headed there this weekend.  I am so envious that they get to spend the weekend there with my baby boy.  He is ridiculously excited that his granddaddy is coming and he can show off his helicopter and stuff to someone who will appreciate it more than I did.  =)  My Mother is bracing herself for the 'man stuff' she will have to endure before getting to the beach. 

    It's been really quiet around here lately.  I hope everyone is doing well. 

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Melissa, how lucky for your son to get to see his grandparents! I can understand the envy haha. It's so nice that they can do that. I'm sure that is a memory that he will always treasure.

  • Brand'sMom

    My son is on his way to Pensacola to start A school as a rescue swimer.  What is going to happen when he arrives to Pensacola? 

  • proudmama

    Brand's Mom- Welcome and congrats to your son! What an exciting time! There is a post above called "The path of a rescue swimmer"- it explains what will be happening next in the air rescue pipeline. Also, your son will have to phase up before he classes up... which means he has to learn the rules and pass inspections etc before he can start class. It took my son 10 months to get phased up, classed up and get through all the different schools including A school which was 13 weeks long. So, be prepared that it will take awhile. Best of luck to you and your son!

  • Brand'sMom

    Thank you!!!! proudmama 

  • Melissa

    Congratulations to your son Brand's Mom - and welcome to the group.  You have a long, exciting journey ahead of you.  The people here are ready to answer any questions you might have, so don't hesitate to ask.  Heaven knows, we've all been there and had the same ones!

    My parents left SD this morning after a great weekend with my son.  My Mom called me Saturday afternoon - she said they had been on the Midway for EVER, with the men showing no signs of EVER leaving, so she was sitting on the deck people watching while they were discussing/viewing airplanes.  They actually only spent 4 hours there - but sometimes she can be dramatic.  =)  They also got to tour base with him and see his Squadron and helo. 

  • Brand'sMom

    Thank you Melissa 

  • Eaglemom2

    How many moms do we have on here that their sailor is getting ready for SERE and/or FRAC?  My son has finished Air Crew, Rescue Swimmer School and A School.  I have been on the face book Navy for Moms and I really am getting tired of the drama but I still need support.

  • Tiffany

    Welcome to the group Brand's mom.

    Melissa - I know your son was so happy to have your parents visit.

    Eaglemom - my son did SERE in December and is now in Jax (Romeo) I know there are other moms with sons in the pipeline with your  son though. SERE school is tough but they come out of it different and actually kind of enjoy it in a weird way. I was a mess when my son went. It was in the negative 20's. I didn't sleep for like 5 nights. I will be praying for you and your Sailor.

  • hsquared60

    Does anyone have a son/daughter graduating from FRAC this Friday in San Diego? If so, I'll be there and would enjoy an opportunity to connect.

  • CNK999

    Good Afternoon Ladies, after being on N4M website, I finally found the group I belong on..  No disrespect to the other group but, I wasn't getting the right information due to my recruit being in a 800 division..  My recruit left on Sept 10 PIR 10/31/2014.. any information would be greatly appreciated on what Im suppose to expect, Please:-)

  • Melissa

    Eaglemom2 - My son graduated FRS (Sierra/San Diego) in March; MamaD's son did so in June, and left for a 10 month deployment earlier this month.  Jody's son graduated about the same time mine did, though he is a Romeo and was in JAX.  Not sure who else is close to your son in the pipeline, but if you have questions, I am sure we can help with answers.  If you are just looking for support - you have it.  Lots of it, from all of us!

    CNK999 - welcome to the group!  Is your son contracted as a Rescue Swimmer?  Or is he doing SWCC?  Either way, don't expect to get much communication from him during Boot Camp; those 800 Division guys work twice as hard as the other Recruits. 

    You should have received your letter, and hopefully a first phone call by now - whatever you do, keep your phone handy, those calls are precious.  If you haven't done so already, get to writing your son.  Mail call is huge for the guys.  I wrote almost daily - silly little cards and notes with just a line or two of support.  I also recruited family members, friends, and his Scout Troop (plus the Cubs) to send letters. Don't send anything else, unless he specifically asks for it - any goodies will be taken away, and could result in some extra pt for your Recruit and/or his Division. 

    If you have any specific questions, ask away and someone here can probably give you an answer.  If you haven't already made travel arrangements for PIR - do so as soon as you can.  Hotel rooms go fast; also, I believe it is Southwest that allows you to make changes to your reservation without penalty if for some reason your Recruit's PIR date changes.  There should be a group on here specific to your Division that will have more direct information about PIR.  Good luck to you and your Sailor!

    hsquared60 - Enjoy your visit with your son.  Coronado is beautiful; they do FRS grad outside right next to the Bay with the ships rolling past, and you should have an opportunity to tour the School House and base with your son and see his helo and the flight line. 

  • airmom10

    HSquared60 - my son is graduating FRAC tomorrow in San Diego also.  Will you be there?  We won't, but he's got liberty in October, so we'll be seeing him soon.  I told him to have someone take a picture and send it to me!

  • CNK999

    Good Afternoon Eaglemom2, Yes, my son is contracted within the 800 division.  As of today 9/25/2014, I still have not received any mail.  Feeling a bit down.  I know that division are given double intensive trainings and work twice as hard as the other divisions.  I guess I just miss my son so much!!  He's my only son and the baby out of 2..  I know he was going to have his wisdom teeth removed and I just want to know how he's doing...  My son hardly ever gets sick but, when he does, it comes down hard on him (the boy weighed 10 lbs 7.4oz when he was born.  He looked at least a month old in the nursery, lol) 

  • hsquared60

    Airmom10 - I'd be more than happy to take a photo or two for you! Just let me know your son's name and what e-mail address you'd like to have the photos sent.